University Heights

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its May 20 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at University Heights City Hall. The council meeting will be preceded by a meeting of the Safety Committee at 6:30 p.m., where ice cream truck legislation will be discussed.

The agenda includes a second reading of an ordinance authorizing transfer of funds from the General Fund to the police and fire pension funds, and a first reading of a "Code Red" (reverse 911) ordinance.

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its May 6 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at University Heights City Hall.

The agenda includes a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with ODOT to purchase sodium choloride (rock salt) for the 2013-14 winter season and declaring an emergency. It also includes consideration of an ordinance authorizing transfer of funds from the general fund to the street lighting fund and debt service fund.

APRIL 15, 2013

• Public comments
• Arbor Day
• Mayors Against Illegal Guns
• Figure skating honors
• Utility vehicle purchase
• Fernwood, Channing water lines
• Internet auction of city goods
• Street resurfacing
• Former Fuchs Mizrachi School
• Overnight parking
• Electronic device use while driving
• John Carroll University banners
• Back taxes found
• University fencing
• Home exterior inspections
• Executive session
  
  

All council members were present.

Senior Citizen Happenings, sponsored by the City of University Heights, are open to all. Events take place on Thursdays at 2 p.m., at the University Heights Library. For information, and to suggest program topics, contact the UH Office for Senior Services at 216-397-0336.

MARCH 18, 2013

• Fuchs Mizrachi
• Cleanup month
• Mayor appointed to county board
• Gesu Basketball Team
• City’s tree program
• New scooter
• Street paving
• School District Lay Facilities Committee
  
  

All council members were present.

APRIL 8, 2013

• Fuchs Mizrachi School
• Bid requirements
• Spring cleanup
• Holocaust Remembrance Week
• Public Internet auctions
• Power Load System
• Overnight parking
• Texting while driving
• Sweepstakes Terminal Cafes
• Costs for civil cases
• Tree trimming
  
  

All council members were present. 

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its April 15 meeting.

The agenda includes consideration of ordinances declaring city-owned property at 2301 Fenwick Road (formerly known as Fuchs Mizrachi) a nuisance and declaring an emergency, as well as authorizing the demolition of that property, and declaring an emergency. It also includes a proposal to award the contract for demolition of the property to The Lower Cork Co.

The agenda also includes a resolution to authorize an agreement with Karvo Paving Company Inc. for 2013 street resurfacing (emergency).

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its April 8 meeting.

The agenda includes first reading of an ordinance amendment to prohibit the use of electronic wireless communications devices for text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle. It also includes a motion to accept [a] bid for demolition of the Fuchs Mizrachi Building, and approval of a tree-planting contract for 2013.

The University Heights Citizen’s Committee to determine the use of the former Fuchs Mizrachi/Northwood school property will meet tonight, March 19, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at UH City Hall.

The meeting is open to the public, and University Heights residents are invited to join the committee, chaired by Brett Teacher, a UH resident who led Citizens for Saybrook Park.

“This is the biggest investment the city has made in itself in 20 years, since the pool and playground were built at Purvis Park,” said UH Mayor Susan Infeld. “I’m expecting the committee to be enthusiastic about this opportunity. It’s pretty exciting.”

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its March 18 meeting.

The agenda includes a presentation to the Gesu Basketball Team, and a presentation on the City’s Tree Program by Jeff Pokorny, service director, and Tom Morgan, City arborist.

Reports from standing committees include consideration of consolidation of fire services between University Heights and Shaker Heights (Committee of the Whole), use of the former Fuchs Mizrachi school property (Committee of the Whole), regulations for sweepstakes terminal cafés (Safety) and a realtor education workshop (Civic Information).

Senior Citizen Happenings are sponsored by the City of University Heights, and are open to all. Events take place on Thursdays at 2 p.m. at the University Heights Library. For information, and to suggest topics for future programs, contact the UH Office for Senior Services at 216-397-0336.

April 4: Stephen Hotchkiss, world traveler and assistant professor of international business at Notre Dame College, draws on his experience to explore the question “Do China and India pose a threat to America?”

MARCH 4, 2013

• Fire services
• Property taxes
• Beaumont Volleyball Team
• Issuance and sale of bonds
• Catch basin and sewer
• Trees
• Police vehicles
• Dominion East Ohio Gas
• Electronic device use while driving
• Violence Against Women Act
• Overnight parking
• Trees by power lines
• Ambulance
• Property exteriors
  
  

Vice Mayor Frankie Goldberg was absent.

FEBRUARY 19, 2013

• Thomas Cozzens
• Mark N. Wiseman
• Andrew Boylan
• JCU and HRRC programs
• Fire department consolidation
• Public comments: Fire department consolidation, Water bills, Northwood School
• Traffic signal repair
• Uniformity of tax collections
• Fund transfers
  
  

All council members were present.

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its March 4 meeting.

The agenda includes a presentation to the state champion Beaumont Volleyball Team, and a motion to approve the purchase of two police vehicles.

Reports from standing committees include a consideration of consolidation of fire services between University Heights and Shaker Heights (Committee of the Whole), and a consideration of the use of the former Fuchs Mizrachi school property (Committee of the Whole).

The City of University Heights honored Councilman Thomas Cozzens at its Feb. 19 city council meeting.

Cozzens, who died on Jan. 17 after a brief battle with cancer, was elected to council in November 2011, and sworn in on Jan. 3, 2012.

At the Feb. 19 remembrance, University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld presented Cozzens’ wife, Mary Ann, daughter Kathleen and son Patrick, with a memorial plaque. Another identical plaque will be installed at city hall.

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its Feb. 19 meeting.

The agenda includes a presentation honoring the life of Councilman Thomas A. Cozzens, who died in January, as well as a ceremonial swearing in of Mark N. Wiseman, appointed by University Heights City Council to fill the seat left vacant by Cozzens's death.

Also on the agenda is the swearing in of Fire Lieutenant Andrew A. Boylan.

Mark N. Wiseman, a 25-year resident of University Heights, was sworn in as the city’s newest councilman at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at University Heights City Hall.

In a press release from the City of University Heights dated Feb. 14, and received by the Heights Observer the morning of Feb. 15, Frankie Goldberg, vice mayor, announced the appointment of Wiseman to fill the council seat left vacant by the death of Councilman Thomas A. Cozzens on Jan. 17.

FEBRUARY 4, 2013

• Citizen comments
• State of the City
• Heritage Home Program
• Wire transfer agreement
• Senior Transportation Services
• State legislation on tax collection
• Road salt usage
• Fuchs Mizrachi demolition
• Gearity Elementary School
• Ed Wittenberg

Councilman Steven Sims was absent.

On Feb. 1, the cities of University Heights and Shaker Heights issued a joint press release stating that the two cities would create a Council of Governments (COG) with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which would lay the groundwork for an agreement to consolidate the cities’ fire and EMS departments. The press release gave several dates when a completed agreement would be presented to the councils of both cities for public comment and approval, but it turns out that the timeline in the release was wishful thinking.

Soon after the release was issued, John Novosielski, president of University Heights Firefighters Local 974, lashed out at University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld and Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken, accusing them of having already made the decision to merge departments without union or public input. “It appears that the decision to ‘merge’ departments had already been made by the mayors, and that everything else was a dog and pony show,” said Novosielski in a press release.

Mayor Infeld disagrees. “The MOU is the beginning of the process, not the end,” said Infeld. “This is not final and could change a lot.”

JANUARY 22, 2013

• Councilman Thomas A. Cozzens
• MLK celebration
• Robert Perko
• Tennis courts
• Catch basins and storm sewers
• Wire Transfer Agreement
• 2013 budget
• Busy year for fires
• Cell phones and driving

All council members were present.

[University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld gave her annual State of the City Address at the Feb. 4 University Heights City Council meeting. Below is her address in its entirety.]

As I begin my fourth year as your mayor and look back over the past year's events in University Heights, I believe that we have many things to celebrate in our community. Your City Administration has made continued progress toward several of our long-term goals: improved fiscal responsibility, the expansion of our limited green space, participation in local and regional efforts to improve services and improved communication between city government and our constituents.

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its Feb. 4 meeting.

The agenda includes a State of the City address by Mayor Susan Infeld, as well as reports from standing committees.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., at University Heights City Hall.

Due to the passing away of Councilman Thomas A. Cozzens, University Heights City Council is now accepting resumes to fill the vacancy.

Vice Mayor Frankie B. Goldberg has announced that residents of University Heights, who wish to be considered for appointment to the position, are invited to send resumes to City Hall, c/o Clerk of Council Kelly M. Thomas, 2300 Warrensville Center Road, University Heights, Ohio 44118 or by e-mail to: kthomas@universityheights.com. Resumes will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1.

At the beginning of its Jan. 22 meeting, the University Heights City Council will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The tribute will include performances by The Wiley Middle School Challenge Choir and the Heights High Barbershoppers, as well as a video of the Vocal Music group's visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., presented by Eric Carder, a Heights vocal music student.

The meeting agenda also includes the swearing in of Fire Lieutenant Robert Perko.

University Heights Councilman Thomas Cozzens died on Jan. 17, after a brief battle with cancer. Susan Infeld, University Heights mayor, shared the news in an e-mail on Jan. 18.

"He was intelligent, thoughtful and well-respected by everyone at City Hall," said Infeld. "We will miss him."

The wake for Cozzens was held on Jan. 20 at the DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life was held on Jan. 21 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Shaker Heights.

In her e-mail, Infeld noted that the 71-year-old Cozzens was a longtime resident of University Heights. "In November 2011, Tom was elected to the City Council and was sworn in as a councilman on Jan. 3, 2012," said Infeld, who added that, as councilman, Cozzens was chairman of the City Council Finance Committtee. Cozzens also served the community as a 13-year member of the Board of Zoning appeals.

JANUARY 7, 2013

• Town hall meeting
• Interim fire chief
• Joint police dispatch
• Wire transfers
• City budget
• Traffic control box
  
  

All council members were present.

December 17, 2012

• Public meeting
• Solid waste collections
• Employee of the year
• Public health services
• Check policy
• Citizen of the year
• Joint economic development
• Tax collection methods
• Joint police dispatch
• Bomb squad services
• Multi-vehicle accident
• Police presence at schools
• Long guns
• Building department
  
  

All council members were present.

The City of University Heights honored two of its own at its Dec. 17 city council meeting. Katherine Hawn, a Saybrook Road resident, was presented with the Citizen of the Year award. Hawn was recognized for her work with the city’s children as coordinator and coach of the Purvis Park Piranhas swim team. John Pucella, assistant service director for the city, was recognized as Employee of the Year.

Each year, the mayor of University Heights chooses a resident to honor as Citizen of the Year. "I was aware of what Kay was doing,” said Susan Infeld, mayor of University Heights, “but it all came together this year. I talked with a lot of people, and with Kay, about what they were doing at their meets this year."

A second Town Hall meeting to discuss the possible consolidation of fire services between University Heights and Shaker Heights will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at University Heights City Hall.

University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld announced the upcoming meeting in her December newsletter, and wrote, “The possible consolidation of our city’s fire services with those of Shaker Heights has been studied by a consultant over the past year. Earlier this month, on Dec. 4, the topic of consolidating fire services between the two cities was discussed at a Town Hall meeting at city hall.”

NOVEMBER 19, 2012

• Leaf pickup
• Merger of fire departments
• Beautiful Homes
• Funding for economic development
• Transportation for seniors
• Anthony Coyne
• Safety department clock synchronization
• Cedar Taylor Fund 2012
• Estate tax revenue
• Housing court costs
• Inspection fees
• 2012 income tax receipts
• AT&T cell tower lease
  
  

All council members were present.

OCTOBER 15, 2012

• Special meeting, preceding the regular meeting, on proposal to merge fire departments
  
  

All council members were present.

Proposal to merge fire departments

Phil Kouwe of Emergency Services Consulting International presented his company’s proposal to merge the fire departments of University Heights and Shaker Heights. The study was paid for with $25,000 from the Cleveland Foundation, $8,000 from University Heights, and $17,000 from Shaker Heights. The remaining $15,000 from the Cleveland Foundation grant is to be used for implementation costs.

[University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld sent the following update on power outages in the City via e-mail on Oct. 31.]

The Illuminating Company has reported that there are currently 374 customers in University Heights without power. Outage restoration efforts are expected to continue for several days with local crews being assisted by crews from Toledo, Dayton, Illinois, Missouri and Utah.

Please remember these safety tips:

SEPTEMBER 24, 2012

• Veterans Job Fair
• Commercial property rates
• South Euclid-Lyndhurst Recreation move
• JCU Murphy Hall Renovation
• Tax budget
• Solid waste management plan
• Police department honored
• Emergency repair
• Gas line
  
  

Council member Phillip Ertel was excused.

We regret to say that due to a shortage of volunteers, the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Cuyahoga Area (LWV) is unable to provide full coverage of the University Heights City Council meetings. We will continue to cover at least one meeting per month and will seek more volunteers with the hope of returning to full coverage.

If you appreciate and enjoy reading our reports perhaps you would like to help us continue this service to the community by joining the League and our Observer Corps. To learn more please contact Maryann Barnes by e-mail (mbarnes9515@gmail.com) or by phone (216-321-7525).

The City of University Heights issued a notice today that the Cleveland Water Department (CWD) had notified the city of a higher-than-normal level of manganese in the water serviced through the Nottingham Treatment Plant, which has caused a discoloration of the water delivered to eastside communities, including University Heights. The CWD asks residents to refrain from washing clothing, particularly light-colored items, because the discoloration can stain fabric. 

All fire hydrants in the City of University Heights will be flushed in the next two weeks, from Sept. 4 through Sept. 14.

Fire department crews will begin flushing hydrants on the western streets first, near Taylor Road, and then move east, finishing at Green Road.

Look for the "hydrant flushing" signs to know when the hydrants in your area will be flushed. Be sure to let cold water run until it is clear before washing clothes.

If you have any questions, contact the University Heights Fire Department at 216-321-1939.

AUGUST 13, 2012

• McDonald’s request for extended hours
• New boiler
• New lighting
• Office of Emergency Management
• Transfer of funds
• Texting while driving
• False alarm penalties
• Employee health care
• Narrowbanding project
  
  

Councilwoman Adele Zucker was excused.

Senior Citizen Happenings are sponsored by the City of University Heights. Events take place on Thursdays at 2 p.m., at the University Heights Library. 

Sept. 6: Connie Luhta, president of International Women’s Air and Space Museum, outlines the fabulous feats of women in aviation and space history, including Amelia Earhart, the World War II WASPs, the Wright brothers’ sister Katharine, and more.

Effective Aug. 1, Nancy English, who has served as clerk of council for the City of University Heights for 20 years, is retiring. In an e-mail to residents, English said, “It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you for the past 20 years. “ 

As clerk of council, English was the liaison for city council members, interacted with the public, and attended city council, board, commission and council committee meetings. She transcribed minutes, posted notices and served as secretary for the Planning and Civil Service Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Records Retention Commission.

JUNE 18, 2012

• Tree trimming
• Distribution of casino funds
• John Carroll Boulevard
• Purvis Park concession stand
• Assistant finance director
• School facilities Plan C
• CYO City Baseball Championship
• Hazard mitigation plan
• Fuchs Mizrachi

All council members were present.

JUNE 4, 2012

• Dina Flesher
• New resident meet and greet
• Returned check policy
• Budget adjustment for part-time workers
• Road salt purchase
• Bank account closed
• Funds for Fuchs Mizrachi purchase
• Street resurfacing change order
• Police department air conditioner
• Thermal imager
• Texting while driving
• Street construction
• Program on sewer maintenance
• Dysart tree lawn disruption
• No regular meetings July and August

Councilman Thomas Cozzens was excused.

MAY 21, 2012

• Memorial Day parade
• County Planning Commission
• Transfer of funds
• Scooter purchase
• Returned check policy
• Range service agreement
• Tree maintenance
• Repair of refuse collection scooter
• R.I.T.A. representatives
• Technology Advisory Commission
• 2012 recreation program

All council members were present.

At their June 4 meeting, the members of University Heights City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a new HD thermal camera for the city’s fire department. City council stipulated that the purchase price not exceed $10,270. The new camera is the third generation and newest thermal camera on the market. The city purchased its first thermal camera in 2000, when these devices first hit the market.

The thermal imaging device enables firefighters to see life forms up to 20 feet away in burning and smoke-filled buildings, according to Captain Brian Phan. The device works by showing life forms and heated objects as white. The whiter the image the hotter the object is. When a firefighter focuses the device on an object, he or she can see the temperature of the object in the lower right hand corner of the LCD screen.

Monday, June 4, was a difficult day for University Heights City Hall employees. Dina Flesher, a loyal and cherished employee and member of the University Heights community, died suddenly on June 3. Following the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the June 4 city council meeting, attendees observed a moment of silence to honor Flesher.

Susan Infeld, University Heights mayor, noted that Flesher had worked in the city’s finance department for five years, and said, “I was surprised to see it was that short a period of time. She was an integral part of making this city function, and her personality lent so much to our operations.”

MAY 7, 2012

• Service director
• Deputy chief
• Technology Advisory Commission
• Nominating petitions
• Abatement correction
• Waterline replacement
• Women and minority businesses
• Dump truck
• Violence against women
• Flashover incident
• New businesses
• UH as a model
• Senior services

All council members were present.

On May 15, consultants from Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) spoke to the University Heights community about a Fire Service Feasibility Study between the cities of University Heights and Shaker Heights. The study focuses on how University Heights and Shaker Heights can efficiently deliver fire services. The study also looks at how the cities can spend less money delivering the same services or spend the same amount of money for increased services.

APRIL 16, 2012

• Fuchs Mizrachi School property
• Resident being sued
• Gearity School
• Gesu boys basketball team
• New finance director
• Julian Rogers to represent UH
• Street resurfacing and marking
• Renewal of notes
• Pension fund transfers
• Height of grass
• Recreational fee changes
• Police department restructuring
• Senior transportation
• Deadline change
• James Zupka, CPA
• Course for realtors

All council members were present.

On April 16, University Heights City Council voted to approve, on second reading, a purchase agreement with The Leonard and Susan Fuchs Mizrachi School. The purchase price of $600,000 will be paid on a three-two-one schedule, with $300,000 due at closing. The vote was 6 to 1, with Vice Mayor Frankie Goldberg abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2012

• Proposed park on Saybrook
• Municipal income tax collection
• Relay for Life
• Schools facilities plans
• National Library Week
• 3954 Silsby Road
• Fair housing ordinance update
• Audit services
• Car leasing for police department
• Issuance of bonds
• Pool chemicals
• Finance director
• Internet cafes

All council members were present.

MARCH 19, 2012

• School facilities
• 2012 Water Main Replacement
• 2012 budget
• Lansdale Road
• Sweepstakes terminal cafes
• 3954 Silsby Road
• Paper shredding
• House repair notices
• Executive session

Councilman Phillip Ertel was excused.

All events take place on Thursdays at 2 p.m., at the University Heights Library, 13866 Cedar Road. Senior Citizen Happenings are sponsored by the City of University Heights.

At a March 12 town hall meeting hosted by Mayor Susan Infeld at Wiley Middle School, an audience of 51 University Heights residents expressed strong support for the city's proposal to purchase the former Fuchs Mizrachi school to create new Saybrook Park. Fuchs Mizrachi, a Jewish day school, moved to Beachwood in 2010, closing its University Heights school.

MARCH 5, 2012

• Proposed park on Saybrook Road
• Senior services
• Newsletter announcements
• Finance director
• Yard nuisance abatement bids
• Purvis Park Pool painting
• 2012 appropriations
• Tax collections
• Special waste collection
• Executive session

All council members were present.

FEBRUARY 21, 2012

• Urban forestry management plan
• Saybrook Park
• Shaker Heights court reimbursement
• 2012 street line painting
• Catch basins
• Purvis Park concession
• Emergency sewer repairs
• Refuse scooter

Preserving open green space in our highly developed community is a recurring issue, surfacing recently in the hotly debated plan for construction of a retail development on the property of the former Oakwood County Club. Now there is an opportunity to convert the largest remaining green space in University Heights into a city park, and the matter will be the subject of a town hall meeting hosted by Mayor Susan Infeld on Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at the Wiley Middle School auditorium, 2181 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights.

The property in question is the former Fuchs Mizrachi School, a 6.8 acre site at 2301 Fenwick Road within the large block bounded by Fenwick, Silsby, Saybrook, and Faversham roads. The site has been vacant since August 2010 when the Orthodox Jewish day school moved to Beachwood.

FEBRUARY 6, 2012

• New park
• New deputy library director
• State of the City address
• Council action on regional study
• County Health and Human Services
• Sewer repairs
• Waste processing service
• 911 equipment
• Police and fire exams
• Hard-wired smoke detectors

All council members were present.

JANUARY 17, 2012

• Audit
• Fire services
• Regional projects
• Martin Luther King program
• New McDonald's
• Municipal pool
• Finance director
• House on Silsby
• Street repairs
• Firefighter

All council members were present.

JANUARY 3, 2012

• Oaths of office
• Leap Day at Shaker Heights court
• Appointments
• Director of finance
• Emergency sewer repairs
• Yard nuisance
• Water line repairs
• New assistant clerk of council
• Shared fire services

All council members were present.

DECEMBER 19, 2011

• Finance director
• Health care provisions
• Budget legislation
• Municipal energy program
• Fund transfers for closing 2011
• GAAP conversion
• Public health services
• Compensation plan
• McDonalds
• Street repairs
• Retiring council members

Council member Kevin Patrick Murphy was excused.

In the past four years, University Heights City Council has kept a watchful eye on the city administration, exercising the checks and balances of government, as they should. This will change with the 2012 council.

Many on the new council, along with the mayor, have close ties to one another and to Jeffrey H. Friedman, an attorney. Most members are supported and/or endorsed by both the mayor and Friedman.